The Best Winter Campgrounds that Stay Open Year-Round for 2026
Winter is in full swing, but that doesn’t have to mean the end of camping. In fact, since we live in our RV, we spend the entirety of every single winter RV camping. The trickiest part? Finding campgrounds that are open during the winter.
Luckily, we have figured out where these year-round campgrounds tend to be, so we don’t have much trouble these days.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why choose a year-round campground?
In our time on the road, we have found that many campgrounds close seasonally because of road conditions, staffing, or extreme weather that make camping less than fun, or even unsafe. You’ll find that year-round campgrounds tend to be located in warmer parts of the country. That said, some winter campgrounds are in colder climates, but are located on well-maintained roads or are run by organizations prepared for cold-season use.
What does that mean for you as a camper? Well, it means a few different things:
- Predictable access and reservations in winter months.
- A reduced risk of surprise closures.
- Opportunities to experience iconic places with far fewer people.
If you aren’t sure if winter camping is for you, you can rest a little easier knowing year-round campgrounds actually make it a relatively comfortable experience.
Top Picks by Region
The Desert South
If you want blue skies and temperatures that are pleasant by daytime, head to the desert southwest. National Parks like Big Bend, Joshua Tree, and Saguaro draw winter campers for a reason: cool nights, warm afternoons, and hiking without the summer heat. Many campgrounds at lower elevations are open year-round, so you can set up an RV no matter the season.
Top Winter Campground in This Region: Chisos Basin Campground
Set high in the Chisos Mountains, this Big Bend National Park campground offers winter camping featuring cooler desert days, dramatic canyon views, and immediate access to some of the park’s best winter hiking trails. We absolutely loved staying at this campground in January.
California’s Coast and Lower Mountains
California is somewhat unusual, because its long coastline and large latitudinal range give campers a huge range of winter options. Several state parks and some national forest campgrounds are staffed and reservable throughout the year, so you can sleep near gorgeous California beaches or giant Redwood trees even in the middle of January.
Top Winter Campground in this Region: Kirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground is a a year-round park perched above the Pacific. It offers relatively mild winter temperatures, as well as some seriously cool ocean views and dramatic scenery. This campground is crowded in summer, but winter is a lot more laid back, making it a nice time to visit.
Florida
Florida is the most dependable option in the U.S. for campers who want to avoid cold almost entirely. Its low elevation and subtropical climate allow a large number of state parks, national forests, county parks, and private campgrounds to stay open year-round. Places like the Ocala National Forest and coastal Florida State Parks are especially popular in winter thanks to mild temperatures and easy access.
Top Winter Campground in this Region: Anastasia Park Campground
Open year-round and located right by the beach, this St. Augustine-area campground combines warm winter weather, beaches, wildlife viewing, and full RV hookups. We adored this park when we visited, and honestly I can’t imagine a better winter escape.
The Western Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast — from Alabama and Mississippi through Louisiana and coastal Texas — offers mild winter conditions and a wide selection of low-elevation campgrounds that remain open year-round. While slightly cooler than Florida, the region is well suited to winter hiking, beach walks, fishing, and birding, often with fewer crowds and easier reservations.
Top Winter Campground in this Region: Malaquite Campground
Another amazing option, this Padre Island National Seashore campground also offers beachfront camping all year long. There are no hookups at this campground, but we found that the wide open space and excellent winter birding more than made up for this.
Top Picks by Campground Type
National Forests
I was surprised to learn that National Forests tend to be quite generous with year-round camping options. Many forests keep at least a handful of developed campgrounds open all year. It should be noted that National Forest campgrounds often operate on lower budgets (coin toilets, minimal staffing) but in my opinion, they make up for it in solitude, low rates, and flexible rules for dispersed camping.
Top Winter Campground of This Type: Ocala National Forest
A model for year-round national forest camping, Ocala National Forest offers warm winters, good trail access, and plenty of lovely RV camping options. It’s definitely a great place to immerse yourself in nature in the Sunshine State.
Winter-Friendly National Parks
Not all national parks close in winter. In fact, a good number of campgrounds remain open during the winter months. This is great because it offers campers the chance to visit some famous landscapes dusted in snow, or check out tropical and desert parks in slightly cooler temperatures.
Top Winter Campground of This Type: Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
Several Yosemite Valley campgrounds remain open through winter and give you access to the valley’s world-class winter scenery. Honestly, this park is even prettier in the winter, and the lack of crowds adds to the magic.
Select Privately-Owned Campgrounds
In my opinion, privately owned campgrounds are among the most reliable options for winter camping. We usually end up in private campgrounds during the winter because they are the least stressful option. Most of the ones we have stayed in continue offering full amenities even in winter. This includes hookups, hot showers, and maintained access roads.
Top Winter Campground of This Type: Select KOA Campgrounds
KOA operates hundreds of campgrounds, and a significant subset of them stay open all year. These sites are great if you want hookups, showers, and dependable services in winter.
How to Pick the Right Winter Campground for You
As you can see, there are a wide variety of campgrounds available during the winter months. Whether you want beachside camping, a desert stay, or a snow-covered winter wonderland, there is something for you. Here’s what you’ll want to consider when choosing a campground for your winter adventure.
Decide on Climate and Activities
First, decide what sort of climate you’re looking for and what you’d like to do once the RV is parked. Do you want alpine snowshoeing or mild beach walks and birding? Do you prefer the desert, the beach, or a forest? Is skiing a must, or do you want to go swimming? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can choose elevation and latitude accordingly.
Consider Services
Some RVers prefer full-service private RV parks with hookups. Others like the adventure of camping off-grid. Some like something in between, like what you might find at a state park. Personally, I like things about all of these options. Know your preferences and use that information to guide your choices.
Check Road Access and Alerts
Even year-round sites can be temporarily inaccessible during storms or maintenance. Make sure to check the official park/forest/campground page before deciding on a campground and book ahead if you can. Check the page again before travel to be sure the info you have is still accurate.
Booking and Research
Not sure where to look for year-round campgrounds? If none of the campgrounds listed above suit your fancy, try using the resources below to find one that does:
- Official national park and forest pages: These will tell you about closures and road alerts, as well as which campgrounds are maintained in winter (always the final authority).
- State park reservation systems: Most states centralize bookings to one reservation system where you can check for seasonal closure notices and book campgrounds that are open.
- Major campground operators and networks: KOA and similar operators list which locations are open year-round online. These parks are useful for RVers who want hookups and services.
Winter Camping Etiquette, Safety, and Tips
Now that you have the perfect winter RV campground picked out, let’s touch on some etiquette and safety rules, as well as some of my top tips for RV camping in winter.
Leave No Trace
Winter landscapes are fragile and you don’t want to be the one to mess them up. Remember to pack out everything and follow local rules for fires—many fire rings are buried under snow; do not dig or create new rings. Don’t pollute streams, and if you need to melt snow for water, use a stove and purify.
Be Wildlife-Aware
Yes, it is winter, but some animals remain active. Make sure to obey food-storage rules no matter when you camp, and always give animals their space.
Check for Restrictions
Some parks limit camping to designated sites in winter; others may have shorter staffed hours. Be sure to read alerts and signage and follow any rules posted.
Communicate Your Plan
It’s always important to leave trip details with someone. This is extra true in winter, especially when it comes to remote national forest or backcountry winter outings.
Use Heaters Carefully
If used improperly, portable heaters and especially open flame can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Only use devices designed and rated for enclosed-space use and follow all safety guidance. Ensure propane systems and CO/LP detectors are functional before overnighting.
Pack Smart
Make sure to pack the necessary winter camping gear to stay safe and comfortable. Not sure where to begin? You’ll find more info on this in the FAQ section further below.
Embrace the Off-Season Rhythms
Shorter daylight, less busy trails, and different wildlife patterns make winter trips uniquely rewarding. I personally love RV camping during this quieter time of year.
Consider Hybrid Trips
A night in a year-round commercial campground with cabins followed by a day trip into a colder, higher elevation area lets you explore without packing every piece of cold-weather gear. This is how we tend to explore cold-weather spots since I am not a fan of camping in the cold.
Check Before You Go
Always, always check the official park or campground page and pay attention to the weather forecast so you can stay in the know about road closures, park and campground closures, and impending severe weather.
Reserve Early
Winter is shoulder season for many parks, but the most desirable winter spots can fill up in winter, especially on holiday weekends. In fact, we’ve had trouble finding places to stay in Florida during the winter months. If it’s possible to make a reservation, go ahead and do it and give yourself some peak-of-mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, as well as my answers.
What amenities should I expect at a campground that stays open during winter?
Amenities vary widely, but most year-round campgrounds fall into one of three tiers: full-service campgrounds, mid-level public campgrounds, and rustic campgrounds.
Full-service campgrounds include private RV parks and some large state parks. These often provide:
Electric hookups (30/50 amp)
Water and sewer hookups, sometimes weather-dependent
Heated restrooms and hot showers
Plowed or well-maintained access roads
On-site staff, propane sales, and small camp stores
Wi-Fi and reliable cellular coverage
Mid-level public campgrounds include many state parks and developed national forest sites. They may offer:
Electric hookups at select sites
Vault or flush toilets (showers may be seasonal)
Maintained access roads, though not always plowed immediately after storms
Dump stations and potable water that may be shut off during deep freezes
Minimal staffing or volunteer camp hosts
Rustic or minimally developed sites can be found in some national forests, national parks, and BLM sites. They might provide:
No hookups or utilities
Vault toilets or no facilities at all
Limited or no road maintenance beyond major routes
No on-site staff or services
I have learned that even at campgrounds advertised as open year-round, their water systems, dump stations, and/or showers may be temporarily unavailable during cold snaps. For this reason, I always check the campground’s winter services list before arrival.
Which states or regions have the most campgrounds open during winter?
Regions with the most options are generally those that combine mild winter climates with strong campground infrastructure. These are the areas we tend to head to for the winter months. They include:
Florida and the Gulf Coast — Extensive year-round state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds with warm winter temperatures.
California — Coastal and low-elevation state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds remain open all year; mountain access varies by snow conditions.
Arizona and the Desert Southwest — Ideal winter camping weather and a high number of open public and private campgrounds.
Texas and the Lower South — Large state park systems and private RV parks with winter access.
What special gear or preparations are important for staying at a year-round winter campground?
If you plan on spending any amount of time in cold weather, you will want to be sure to head in prepared. In addition to standard camping equipment, plan for:
Extra bedding (warm blankets, electric blankets, etc)
Layered clothing and weather protection
Extra potable water and plenty of food
Extra propane and heaters
Tire chains or traction devices when traveling through snowy regions
Shovel, jumper cables, windshield de-icer, and winter emergency kits
Fully winterized RV systems if using an RV (heated hoses, antifreeze, tank heaters)
Headlamp with spare batteries
Backup navigation (paper maps)
Emergency communication device for remote areas
As you can see, there are all sorts of winter RV campground options. Whether you’re looking to rough it in the snow or relax in a full-service park in sunny Florida, there is a winter campground just waiting for you!
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